General Motors Europe’s Vauxhall arm has introduced an innovative five-spoke steel wheel finished with an easy-to-replace plastic cover that it claims looks just like an alloy wheel.
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Vauxhall says the £16 cost of replacing the wheel cover after a kerb ‘graunch’ compares favourably with having an alloy wheel refurbished by a specialist for at least £60 or replaced at “a cost likely to be at least three figures”.
“Wheelcovers are much easier and cheaper to replace of course, but all style-conscious drivers lust after the sleek looks of alloy wheels,” the company said in a statement.
The so-called Structure wheel is fitted as standard to the Exclusiv model in the recentry refreshed Vectra model line, which is broadly equivalent to the Chevrolet Malibu range in the US.
Vauxhall added that, because the cover is also held in place by the wheel’s bolts, theft is far more difficult than with a conventional wheel trim, and it’s virtually impossible for it to fly off when the car is in motion.
The entire wheel assembly, including the cover, is only marginally heavier than the equivalent 16-inch alloy wheel.
